How to Help Your Patients Save Money on Polymyxin B/Trimethoprim: A Provider's Guide to Savings Programs

Polymyxin B/Trimethoprim (Polytrim) is one of the more cost-effective prescription antibiotic eye drops on the market. With generic versions available and retail prices in the $12–$32 range, it's far less expensive than branded fluoroquinolones. Still, some patients — particularly those uninsured, underinsured, or on tight budgets — benefit from provider guidance on how to access the best price. This guide gives your clinical team what you need to help patients minimize their out-of-pocket costs.

Understanding the Cost Landscape for Polymyxin B/Trimethoprim

Here is a breakdown of what patients typically pay in 2026:

Retail cash price (no discount): $12–$32 for a 10 mL bottle, depending on pharmacy.

GoodRx coupon (generic): As low as $5.46 — approximately 62% off average retail. Polytrim brand via GoodRx: as low as $2.46 at select pharmacies.

SingleCare coupon: Approximately $9.97 at major pharmacies.

Commercial insurance (Tier 1–2 generic): Typically $0–$15 copay.

Medicare Part D: Typically covered as a Tier 1 or 2 drug; copay varies by plan but is usually low.

Medicaid: Generally covered on state formularies with minimal or no copay.

Is There a Manufacturer Patient Assistance Program?

Formal manufacturer patient assistance programs (PAPs) and co-pay savings cards are not typically available for low-cost generics like polymyxin B/trimethoprim. These programs are generally reserved for high-cost brand-name drugs. Because the generic is already priced below $15 with discount coupons in most markets, third-party discount tools are the most practical and accessible savings route for your patients.

Best Savings Tools to Recommend to Patients

GoodRx (goodrx.com): Free to use, no membership required. Patients can search their drug and zip code to find the lowest price at nearby pharmacies. GoodRx cannot be used simultaneously with Medicare.

SingleCare (singlecare.com): Similar to GoodRx — free, no insurance needed, accepted at major chain pharmacies.

Blink Health / Costco Pharmacy: Other discount pharmacy programs that may offer competitive pricing on generic ophthalmic solutions.

Prescribing Tips That Reduce Patient Costs

Always prescribe generic: Write for 'polymyxin B sulfate/trimethoprim sulfate ophthalmic solution' rather than Polytrim. The generic is therapeutically equivalent and consistently less expensive.

Include substitution language: Mark prescriptions 'substitution permitted' and note either Bausch or Sandoz generic is acceptable — this prevents dispensing a more expensive version if one generic is out of stock.

Compare fluoroquinolone costs first: If Polytrim is unavailable and you're switching a patient to moxifloxacin or ciprofloxacin, these may be more expensive out-of-pocket. Always check GoodRx pricing for the alternative to ensure your patient isn't hit with an unexpected cost increase.

When Insurance Doesn't Cover It

If a patient's insurance plan doesn't cover ophthalmic polymyxin B/trimethoprim (rare, but possible), here are your options:

Direct them to GoodRx — with the coupon, the generic is often priced at $5–$10, which may be lower than their insurance copay anyway.

Consider filing a prior authorization (PA) appeal if the patient has a documented clinical need and the plan has a relevant formulary restriction — though for a drug this inexpensive, PA effort may not be warranted.

Explore state Medicaid formularies if the patient is underinsured — most state Medicaid programs cover this drug with little or no copay.

Patient Communication Talking Points

Equip your front desk and nursing team with these messages:

'Before you pay at the pharmacy, search the drug on GoodRx.com — it might be less than your copay.'

'The prescription is for the generic version — tell your pharmacist you want the generic.'

'One 10 mL bottle is all you need for a full course. You don't need to buy extra.'

Summary

Polymyxin B/Trimethoprim is one of the most cost-accessible antibiotic eye drops available in 2026. By prescribing generic, recommending GoodRx or SingleCare at the point of care, and having a clear protocol when insurance falls short, you can ensure cost is never a barrier for your patients. For a patient-facing guide on saving money, direct them to our savings guide for Polymyxin B/Trimethoprim. For providers looking to streamline pharmacy access for patients, explore medfinder for providers.